BIRMINGHAM, AL and TALLAHASSEE, FL (February 25, 2014)-- The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU) recognizes Reps. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) and Alcee Hastings (D-FL) as its 2013 Lawmakers of the Year. Each was presented their award during a reception at the Credit Union National Association’s Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 25.
“Reps. Bachus and Hastings have shown, through their actions, that they understand the issues facing credit unions,” said LSCU & Affiliates President/CEO Patrick La Pine. “Each has co-sponsored multiple pieces of legislation that will help credit union members. Plus, each is always open to meeting with credit unions and listening to real world stories about the issues.”
Rep. Bachus is the only member of the Alabama delegation to co-sponsor H.R. 719, legislation which would allow credit unions access to supplemental forms of capital. He is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 749, privacy notification reform legislation. Over the past 14 years, Rep. Bachus has forged a great relationship with credit unions and offered feedback during meetings which has been helpful during grassroots activities.
Rep. Hastings, a longtime member of BrightStar Credit Union in Sunrise, has co-sponsored H.R. 719 and H.R. 749, as well as H.R. 688, legislation that would raise the cap on member business lending to 27.5 percent of total assets. He is also very accessible for credit unions and meets with them multiple times each year.
The LSCU hands out federal and state Lawmaker of the Year awards each year to show support for legislators that listen to the issues, co-sponsor legislation and vote in support of credit union position. The state Lawmaker of the Year awards are handed out during the Alabama and Florida State Governmental Affairs Conferences.
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions represents 279 credit unions in Alabama and Florida with a combined total of $65 billion in assets and more than 6.5 million members. LSCU provides advocacy and regulatory information; education and training; cooperative initiatives (including financial education outreach); media relations and information; and business solutions. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow the League on Twitter or Facebook.